Area news in brief

Published: Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:31 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:33 a.m.

THIBODAUX — Lafourche authorities are investigating eight separate car burglaries that took place Wednesday in south Lafourche.

Four were in the 400 block of West 23rd Street in Larose, three were outside Crosby Tugs, 17771 La. 3235, Cut Off and another was on West 45th Street in Cut Off.

In most cases, the thieves gained access by breaking out the car windows, police said. They stole shotguns, money and welding equipment.

If you have information about the crimes, you're asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-743-7433.

Gibson woman defrauded Red Cross

HOUMA — A Gibson woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to defrauding the American Red Cross of more than $9,000 after Hurricane Katrina, according to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten's Office.

Sandra Williams, 45, repeatedly applied for what was meant to be a one-time storm-recovery grant of up to $1,565.

She applied nine times and got $10,955, receiving $9,390 of it through fraud, court papers say.

Williams, charged in October, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She may also be required to repay the money.

Her sentencing is scheduled for April 28.

Armed robber hits worker

HOUMA — Police are searching for two men who robbed a Shop Rite early this morning, one of whom pistol-whipped a worker.

Officers were called to 205 S. Van Ave. about 4 a.m. Witnesses said two men demanded money gunpoint. One of them hit a female worker in the head with a gun. They left on foot, headed toward Cleveland Street.

The worker, who had minor injuries, was treated and released.

The men are described as black, about 5 feet 9 inches, with medium builds and dark clothing. Both had masks covering their faces.

If you have information, call Houma Police at 873-6371.

Event urges kids to shun tobacco

HOUMA — Local kids can learn about the dangers of tobacco at a “Live Tobacco Free” event set for Saturday afternoon.

The event will include speakers, a poster contest, food and door prizes.

All students in first through 12th grades are invited to participate.

It runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 625 Lafayette St., in Houma.

The contest begins at 2:30 p.m.

For information, call 634-5840.

Farmers' Market offers produce

THIBODAUX — Looking to add local produce and seafood to the meals you serve your family? You can get both from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at the Thibodaux Main Street Farmers Market.

<p class="bold allcaps">Car burglaries under investigation</p>
<p>THIBODAUX — Lafourche authorities are investigating eight separate car burglaries that took place Wednesday in south Lafourche.</p><p>Four were in the 400 block of West 23rd Street in Larose, three were outside Crosby Tugs, 17771 La. 3235, Cut Off and another was on West 45th Street in Cut Off.</p><p>In most cases, the thieves gained access by breaking out the car windows, police said. They stole shotguns, money and welding equipment.</p><p>If you have information about the crimes, you're asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-743-7433.</p><h3>Gibson woman defrauded Red Cross</h3>
<p>HOUMA — A Gibson woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to defrauding the American Red Cross of more than $9,000 after Hurricane Katrina, according to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten's Office.</p><p>Sandra Williams, 45, repeatedly applied for what was meant to be a one-time storm-recovery grant of up to $1,565. </p><p>She applied nine times and got $10,955, receiving $9,390 of it through fraud, court papers say.</p><p>Williams, charged in October, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She may also be required to repay the money.</p><p>Her sentencing is scheduled for April 28.</p><h3>Armed robber hits worker</h3>
<p>HOUMA — Police are searching for two men who robbed a Shop Rite early this morning, one of whom pistol-whipped a worker.</p><p>Officers were called to 205 S. Van Ave. about 4 a.m. Witnesses said two men demanded money gunpoint. One of them hit a female worker in the head with a gun. They left on foot, headed toward Cleveland Street.</p><p>The worker, who had minor injuries, was treated and released.</p><p>The men are described as black, about 5 feet 9 inches, with medium builds and dark clothing. Both had masks covering their faces.</p><p>If you have information, call Houma Police at 873-6371.</p><h3>Event urges kids to shun tobacco</h3>
<p>HOUMA — Local kids can learn about the dangers of tobacco at a “Live Tobacco Free” event set for Saturday afternoon.</p><p>The event will include speakers, a poster contest, food and door prizes.</p><p>All students in first through 12th grades are invited to participate. </p><p>It runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 625 Lafayette St., in Houma.</p><p>The contest begins at 2:30 p.m. </p><p>For information, call 634-5840.</p><h3>Farmers' Market offers produce</h3>
<p>THIBODAUX — Looking to add local produce and seafood to the meals you serve your family? You can get both from 7 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at the Thibodaux Main Street Farmers Market.</p><p>The market, at the Jean Lafitte Center, 314 St. Mary St., also offers baked goods, coffee, jams, honey, cheese, herbs, plants, soaps and even Cajun music. </p><p>Interested vendors may call 448-1474.</p><h3>Community band seeking members</h3>
<p>THIBODAUX — The Bayou Community Band is looking for local musicians. </p><p>Rehearsals for the band's Spring Concert start Thursday in the Nicholls State University Bandroom on the Thibodaux campus.</p><p>Rehearsal sessions start at 7 p.m. and end about 9 p.m.</p><h3>Calling all unique Saints fans</h3>
<p>HOUMA — Do you have a unique Saints fan in your life?</p><p>Do you have elaborate game-watching rituals? Is maw maw a bigger fan than her grandsons?</p><p>Contact Staff Writer Nikki Buskey at 857-2205 or nicole.buskey@houmatoday.com.</p>